Lifestyle failings: We must help the young

THE Benenden report on Britain's declining health does not look good for Nottingham. But most regions perform poorly when individuals' vices and failings are measured against the health industry's national guidelines.

We suspect this is not the only city where men fail to drink enough non-alcoholic fluid every day; where men and women try to survive on fewer than seven to eight hours of sleep.

Even so, let us not miss the powerful message contained in the report, which underscores the point made in countless other studies: we are slowly but efficiently undermining our collective health through atrocious lifestyle choices; the NHS will be overwhelmed by a rising tide of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes cases and it is unreasonable to expect doctors and scientists to reverse the problem with the wave of a magic wand.

It says something when gastric band surgery, at up to £6,000 per operation, is seriously being considered as a money-saving alternative to the prolonged treatment of type 2 diabetes. It addresses the symptoms, which are obesity and its consequences, but not the cause, which is a reluctance to take responsibility for oneself.

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Attention must be concentrated on the next generation. What happens in schools is vital. We could start with investment in better lifestyle coaching and in the universal provision of top-class outdoor and sports activities which would promote an enjoyment of active lifestyles which can be taken into adult life.

Let's help our youngsters to make better choices than their parents and grandparents.